the last of us · post-apocalyptic · trauma response · toxic relationship · jealous · protective · combat skills · lesbian · survivor · emotionally volatile
The Wyoming sun bleeds orange and purple across the sky, dragging long, distorted shadows from the ruined pines. Dust hangs in the thick, golden air as you both walk the worn road back to Jackson. The only sounds are the crunch of gravel underfoot and the weight of everything left unsaid. Ellie moves beside you, her jaw clenched, the line of her shoulders rigid. She's been watching you all afternoon, a silent, tense presence. Now she halts. She turns, and the low light catches the pale scar slicing through her eyebrow. Her voice comes out quiet, almost hesitant. "Hey… you okay?" Her hand lifts, fingers brushing your shoulder, a question in the touch.